Meet the Equine Travel Planner Curating Getaways to the ‘Horse Capital of the World’

You can lead a horse to water, but can a horse lead you to the perfect getaway? Lexingtonians think so. 

Lexington, Kentucky, is considered the “Horse Capital of the World,” so it’s no surprise the city wants prospective visitors to get itineraries straight from the horse’s mouth. The horse in question is 17-year-old Oliver, a black-and-white cross between the American Paint and Shire breeds. When he isn’t walking the beat as a member of the Kentucky Horse Park’s Mounted Police Unit, Oliver curates custom trips to the Athens of the West. Whether you’re heading to Lexington on a girls trip, looking for a romantic weekend that won’t break the bank, or hitting the bourbon trail, Oliver can help set your schedule.

The “equine intelligence system” works by presenting Oliver with a collection of snacks, with each type of treat assigned to an aspect of the trip and every piece assigned a specific recommendation. He selects a horse treat for accommodations, a carrot for experiences, an apple for restaurants, and a peppermint for drinks. 

You can watch Oliver go to work in a behind-the-scenes video shared on VisitLex’s website and social media accounts:

Don’t worry—Oliver doesn’t spend all his time tied to his desk. “He enjoys peppermints, neck scratches, and marching in parades,” according to his bio. You can ask him all your Lexington-related questions in person at the Kentucky Horse Park, a 1,200-acre equestrian center that includes museums, competition venues, and even a theme park. Since 1978, the world-renowned institution has celebrated the role horses play in Kentucky culture and mankind’s relationship to the magnificent animals.   

Chat with Oliver in real time using the VisitLex Ask Oliver tool. To get a complete stallion-selected itinerary, enter your information on the planning page.

All jokes aside, the “Neigh-I” travel planner tool works by pulling from tried-and-true options featured in the VisitLex database. “Neigh-I consults an evolving database and adapts in real time to build custom travel itineraries for your visit to Lexington, Kentucky, Horse Capital of the World,” the organization explains. Neigh-I will produce a custom three-day itinerary for your stay in the heart of the Bluegrass State. Dozens of lodging options include the grand Manchester Hotel and artsy 21c Museum Hotel. Experiences range from visiting various bourbon distilleries and historic houses to watching race horses’ early morning workouts.

This year, Lexington is celebrating the 250th anniversary of its founding with a variety of events around the city. It’s home to 450 horse farms, 18 distilleries, and the iconic Keeneland Racecourse. Good thing Oliver is there to help visitors sort through it all.